Visiting: Mollepata · Humantay Lake · Salkantay Pass · Salkantay Lake
Overview
The Salkantay Pass + Humantay Lake 2-Day Hike is a compact high-Andes adventure — perfect for travelers who have already seen Machu Picchu, or who simply want a short, spectacular mountain trek. You'll hike up to the turquoise Humantay Lake, cross the Salkantay Pass beneath the glaciers of Nevado Salkantay (6,271 m), and take in the glacial Salkantay Lake, surrounded by snow peaks, waterfalls and rivers.
The highlight is an exclusive overnight at our private Quiswarniyoc camp in the Sky Star Domes — panoramic glass cabins under the starlit Andean sky that combine real comfort with an intimate connection to the mountains. Your sleeping bag is included.
Please note: this is a high-mountain hike that does not go to Machu Picchu — it's an out-and-back trek from Cusco to the Salkantay Pass and back. Because the pass sits at around 4,650 m, we recommend spending 1–2 days acclimatising in Cusco beforehand.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
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1
Cusco → Humantay Lake → Quiswarniyoc Sky Star Domes
After collecting everyone from their hotels, we leave Cusco around 5:15 AM for the ~2-hour drive to the town of Mollepata, where a hearty breakfast is waiting and the 20-soles local entrance fee is paid. From there it's another hour by car to Soraypampa, where you meet the muleteers and horses — they carry all the camping gear, the food and each hiker's 7 kg duffel bag.
From Soraypampa it's a roughly 2-hour uphill hike to the stunning turquoise Humantay Lake, with plenty of time to explore, take photos and hear your guide's stories. You then descend about 2 hours to the exclusive Quiswarniyoc private camp (4,000 m) for a fresh lunch. The afternoon is free: take the short hike to the Salkantay viewpoint, or relax in your Sky Star Dome surrounded by short trails, waterfalls and friendly llamas.
Good to know: Quiswarniyoc is an exclusive, scenic camp at 4,000 m with short trails, mountain vistas and waterfalls — the perfect place to disconnect and recharge before the high pass on Day 2.
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2
Salkantay Pass (4,650 m) → Salkantay Lake → Cusco
Around 5:00 AM you're gently woken with a warm cup of coca tea, with time to repack before a hearty breakfast at 5:45 AM. Shortly after, the trek begins with the ascent to the Salkantay Pass — the highest and most rewarding point of the whole trail. The climb to the summit takes about 3 to 4 hours at a steady, manageable pace.
At the top you'll soak in panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, take photos, hear your guide's stories about the Apus and take part in a brief Andean ceremony to honour these sacred mountain spirits, with a visit to the pristine Salkantay Lake. You then descend about 2.5 hours back to Soraypampa, transfer to Mollepata for a well-deserved lunch, and return to Cusco by car (about 2 hours, arriving around 6:00 PM).
Good to know: Day 2 is the most challenging and most rewarding, taking you to the highest point of the entire Salkantay Trail with the trek's most breathtaking mountain views.
Trek at a Glance
| Duration | 2 days / 1 night |
| Highest point | Salkantay Pass — 4,650 m / 15,255 ft |
| Total distance | ~25 km / 16 mi |
| Difficulty | Moderate (altitude, not technical) |
| Accommodation | 1 night Sky Star Domes (Quiswarniyoc) |
| Meals | 2 breakfasts · 2 lunches · 1 dinner |
| Group size | Max 16 travelers |
| Machu Picchu | Not included (trek returns to Cusco) |
What's Included
Tap any item to see the full details.
Included
Not included
Price — 2026 Season
This is a group-service trek with a single, simple price — return to Cusco is by private car (this tour does not include Machu Picchu, so there's no train option).
| Price per person | $150 USD |
| Return to Cusco | By private car |
| Deposit to reserve | $70 per person |
Price per person, group service. A $70 deposit per person confirms your booking; the balance is due no later than 24 h before departure.
Optional Add-ons
- Trekking poles (pair, full trek)$15
Your sleeping bag is already included in the price, so there's no need to rent one for this trek.
What to Pack
You'll get a duffle bag for up to 7 kg of personal belongings, carried by horses to the campsite. Everything you need during the day goes in your daypack. Your sleeping bag is provided, so you don't need to bring one.
- Always with you: 25–30 L daypack, 1.5–2 L water, broken-in hiking boots, headlamp, sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen.
- Clothing: moisture-wicking base layer, warm fleece, waterproof jacket or poncho, gloves, warm socks, beanie, and a change of clothes for after the hike.
- Extras: high-energy snacks, cash (lake entrance / optional horse), insect repellent, personal medication & small first-aid kit, camera, trekking poles (rentable).
How to Book
Book online from anywhere or in person at our Cusco office (Portal Nuevo 270, Plaza Regocijo). A $70 per person deposit confirms your spot; the balance is due no later than 24 h before departure (card, cash in USD/soles, or bank transfer).
- Choose your date on the availability calendar and traveler category.
- Fill in traveler details and accept the terms.
- Add trekking poles if you'd like them.
- Pay the deposit or full amount — your booking is confirmed and our team contacts you by WhatsApp within 24 h.
Deposit: $70 per person to confirm your booking.
Cancellation: cancel at least 24 h before departure and you get a 100% refund; cancel within 24 h and the $70 deposit is non-refundable. If you paid in full and cancel, the balance is refunded minus the $70 deposit.
Date changes: allowed, subject to availability.
Force majeure: we may adjust the itinerary for weather or road conditions, always seeking the best alternative.
Since this tour does not involve Machu Picchu tickets, its cancellation terms are far more flexible than our multi-day treks.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. This is a 2-day high-mountain hike to the Salkantay Pass, Humantay Lake and Salkantay Lake that returns to Cusco — it does not include Machu Picchu. If you want to reach Machu Picchu, choose our 3, 4 or 5-day Salkantay Trek instead.
Humantay Lake sits at ~4,200 m and the Salkantay Pass at ~4,650 m, so mild breathlessness is common. Spend 1–2 days in Cusco (3,300 m) beforehand to acclimatise, drink plenty of water, try coca tea, eat light and avoid alcohol the first day.
The hike up to Humantay Lake takes about 1.5–2 hours depending on your pace, with around 1–1.5 hours back down the same trail. Most groups spend 30–45 minutes at the lake.
Our exclusive panoramic glass cabins at the private Quiswarniyoc camp (4,000 m) — a unique glamping experience with views of the night sky and surrounding peaks. You spend 1 night in them, with mattress, pillow and a sleeping bag provided.
The dry season (roughly May to November) offers the clearest skies, the best trail conditions and the most impressive views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Yes. If you'd rather not hike the whole way up, you can rent a horse from the local community at the trailhead, usually 80–100 soles per person. The horse takes you most of the way, with a short final section on foot.
